Thread

1. easyThrowaway · 1790859834 · focus · HN ↗

   Are the people who made the promise even still at Google?

   It reminds me of those sketchy companies on Amazon promising "lifetime guarantee" on their products when they know already they're gonna close shop and reopen on a completely different brand the very next year.

   1. Kinrany · 1790861677 · focus · HN ↗

      If those people made the promise on behalf of Google while working there and being in a position to make such promises, it's Google's problem now.

      (If they _weren't_ in said position, it's still Google's problem but with some caveats provided Google actually treats it as abuse of authority.)

      1. easyThrowaway · 1790888013 · focus · HN ↗

         I mean, yes... in theory.

         In practice, if there has been some kind internal restructuring, the infrastructure required to keep those previous promises probably isn't there anymore. Try contacting Google support, I guess.

         Also, unless such promises were put on paper in some kind of contract AND without the ever present "We reserve the right to change the terms of this agreement partially or fully in the future" fine line, it was just some kind of wishful thinking by whatever manager was in charge of the Chromebooks project at the time.

         Let's be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if the product EULA says somewhere "This device is licensed to you, not sold. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and personal license to use the device for your private, non-commercial use."

   2. mvc · 1790865903 · focus · HN ↗

      The whole point of corporations is that the assets (and liabilities) created by the people working on behalf of the corporation outlive the term of their employment.

      They don't (or at least shouldn't) get to keep the assets without also honouring the liabilities.

      1. easyThrowaway · 1790888746 · focus · HN ↗

         Sorry, I thought it was obvious I was just pointing out that probably none of the previous management team (and consequently decisions) are still left. You can switch "people" with project plan, platform, google interests, etc. That's besides the point.

         Chromebooks is on a legacy path, and whatever "promise" was made seems to be void. Realistically ran their numbers and are fully aware that the worst possible outcome is a 25$-voucher class action for a few thousand people.

         Still way cheaper than having to support OS security and updates for ten years.

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